December Shows in London

Navigation guide

1. Top West End shows in December
2. Top musicals
3. Top plays
4. December premieres
5. Shows closing in December
6. Christmas & family-friendly picks
7. Timeless shows in London
8. Events in London
9. Visitor tips
10. FAQs

London shows in December bring a festive glow to the city. With streets sparkling under Christmas lights and theatres alive with musicals, pantomimes, and seasonal specials, every night feels like a celebration. New premieres share the stage with long-running classics, making December a wonderful time to experience the magic of London theatre.

Premiere Shows in December 2025

The season pulses with excitement as London theatre in December unveils dazzling premieres and festive favourites. Bold new productions share the spotlight with family-friendly holiday spectacles, making this the perfect time to experience the magic of live performance.

• Into the Woods (Bridge Theatre, Dec 2): A Sondheim classic returns in a lyrical revival. This fairytale mash-up balances whimsy and depth with vibrant staging perfect for December evenings.
• HMS Pinafore (London Coliseum, Dec 4): Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic comic opera returns with a fresh restoration, offering light-hearted satire and singalong charm.
• Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (Apollo Theatre, Dec 6): Mischief Theatre’s hilarious holiday spoof. Expect comedic chaos, audience participation, and festive fun.
• Oh, Mary! (Trafalgar Theatre, Dec 3): Cole Escola’s outrageous dark comedy reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln in a deranged satirical spiral, blending camp, chaos, and historical absurdity.
• Top Hat (Queen Elizabeth Hall, Dec 12): A dazzling stage adaptation of the 1935 Fred Astaire–Ginger Rogers film, filled with live Irving Berlin classics, glamorous Art Deco spectacle, and Broadway-level choreography.
• Twelfth Night (Barbican Theatre, Dec 8): The RSC’s acclaimed Stratford hit arrives in London, a musically enriched, emotionally layered revival blending Edwardian aesthetics with Matt Maltese’s modern lyricism.
• HMS Pinafore (London Coliseum, Dec 4): ENO’s Olivier-nominated revival is a riotous, high-style comic romp through class and courtship, directed by Cal McCrystal with dazzling design and razor-sharp performances.
• High Noon (Harold Pinter Theatre, Dec 17): Oscar-winner Eric Roth adapts the iconic Western into a real-time stage thriller starring Billy Crudup and Denise Gough, heightening its moral tension through theatrical intimacy.

London shows closing in December 2025

Final performances are approaching—book before it’s gone! London events in December see several acclaimed shows wrapping up this festive season:

• The Weir (Harold Pinter Theatre, ends Dec 6):This haunting Conor McPherson play, led by Brendan Gleeson, blends supernatural whispers with sharp character moments. Catch it before the lights dim.
• Partenope (London Coliseum, ends Dec 6): Handel’s joyful rom-com draws to a close. See this glamorous 1920s-set revival—full of charm and sparkle.

Christmas shows in London to watch in December

December in London is all about festive joy, on stage and beyond. As the city sparkles with Christmas cheer, London theatre in December showcases heartwarming musicals, magical pantos, and interactive experiences for all ages.

• Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas ( Opening Dec 12): Join Maddie in Santa’s STEM workshop—filled with hands-on experiments, elf helpers, and winter wonder science. An Olivier-nominated festive treat for 4+ audiences.
• Nutcracker  (Opening Dec 11): Step into a world of wonder as Clara’s Christmas Eve transforms into a magical journey filled with sparkling dances and breathtaking scenes.
• Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (Opening Dec 06): Dickens’ beloved tale takes a hilariously disastrous turn when everything that can go wrong… does. Expect laughs, chaos, and festive spirit!
• Elf the Musical: Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to New York is filled with upbeat songs, spirited comedy, and joyful sets. A limited West End run delivering holiday magic for all ages.
• The Gruffalo’s Child: Curiosity leads the Gruffalo’s little one on a snowy adventure with enchanting puppetry, toe-tapping songs, and plenty of woodland charm.

Pro tips for visiting London in December

The festive season is one of the busiest times in the city. To make the most of your trip, these essential tips will help you stay comfortable, save time, and enjoy a stress-free theatre experience.

• Luggage & warm clothes: London’s December can drop to 3 °C—layering essential. Bring gloves, scarf, coat.
• Transport planning: TfL limited on Dec 25; engineering works on weekends. Book taxis or Heathrow buses early.
• Early booking: Saturday matinees and holiday weeks sell out quickly—book 4–6 weeks in advance.
• Pre‑theatre eats: Reserve ahead—restaurants near Palladium, Prince Edward Theatre fill fast in December.
• Matinee vs evening: Matinees often have better seat options and afternoon return travel.
• Avoid closure days: Dec 25–26 public transport stop; Jan 1 limited.
• Boxing Day sales: Pair morning theatre with afternoon shopping—Oxford Street and Regent Street sales begin Dec 26.
• Umbrella & waterproofs: Expect around 14 rainy days.
• Walk West End early: Theatre district sparkles after dark—arrive 30 minutes before curtain to absorb the atmosphere.
• Check closures: Some Tube lines close on weekends for engineering—check TfL before travel.